It’s time for companies to monitor workplace air quality

Illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Harvard Business Review or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Harvard Business Review highlights the critical need for real-time air-quality monitoring in workplaces
• This necessity stems from the increasing ability of employees and customers to gather basic air quality data and the advantages of corporate air sensor networks in crisis situations, for worker health, productivity, and meeting climate and sustainability objectives

🔭 The context: When Canadian wildfires reached New York City, and a senior executive was able to assure the safety of their building's air for employees, thanks to an indoor air quality sensor system. This system provided real-time data indicating that particle levels were within safe limits

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Monitoring workplace air quality is vital for immediate health concerns and for long-term sustainability and climate goals
• It involves tracking various indicators such as CO2, PM2.5, TVOCS, T/RH, and requires thoughtful consideration of sensor placement, density, threshold settings, and response plans

⏭️ What's next: Businesses are advised to adopt real-time air-quality monitoring systems in their facilities
• This move is crucial for providing actionable information in emergencies, improving worker health and productivity, and supporting broader climate and sustainability initiatives

💬 One quote: "Organizations that aren’t yet thinking about how to implement real-time air-quality monitoring in their buildings should do so soon" (Joseph G. Allen, Harvard University)

📈 One stat: During the Canadian wildfire incident in New York City, outdoor particle levels rose to over 400 ug/m3, a level associated with serious health risks, while monitored indoor levels stayed within safe limits

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